Pinkie Pie Meets the Pyroby tatonyChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 1It was a hot summer’s day in Ponyville and the mane six had gathered in Sugarcube Corner to escape the heat and enjoy some cold treats. “Here you go dearies; five milkshakes and one ice cold very berry smoothie.” Mrs. Cake said as she placed the drinks on counter table. “Enjoy.” “Thanks Mrs. Cake.” The six ponies said in unison as each grabbed their own drink. “Rainbow, why did you get that smoothie and not a milkshake like the rest of us.” Rarity asked as she ate the cherry on the top of her milkshake. “You run of the mill ponies may get your kicks from melted ice cream, but I need a little more excitement.Excitement that frozen cow juice just can't provide.” Rainbow Dash said as she held her smoothie high, so everypony at the table could see it. “Oh, Rainbow, I, um, thought it was because you are lactose intolerant.” Fluttershy said. “Yeah, that too.” Rainbow Dash said as she sat back down and quietly drank her smoothie. “Lactose intolerant!" Pinkie Pie cried out. "Rainbow, what did lactose ever do to you? I’ll have you know some of my best friends are lactose, like, like, like this milkshake. Isn’t that right Mister Shake?” “That’s right Pinkie” She said in a low voice moving the shake from side to side. She finished her milkshake in one gulp. “We’re gonna need another Mister Shake here so he and Rainbow Dash can make up Mrs. Cake!” “Um, okay dearie.” The blue pony at the counter responded. She saw Twilight Sparkle shaking her head. “Yay! Wait, what were we talking about? Oh right. Rainbow! Tell me what you have against lactose!” Pinkie Pie demanded. “Pinkie, it means that she can’t consume dairy products or else she could get sick.” Twilight Sparkle answered. “Oh, I guess if something made me sick I’d be intolerant of it too. Never mind on that milkshake Mrs. Cake. It’s okay Rainbow, me and Mister Shake understand and we forgive you.” The blue pegasus continue to drink her smoothie, speechless about what had just happened. Pinkie looked at her friends as they all kept slurping away at their drinks. “Now that the crisis is through.” Applejack said, breaking the silence, “Anypony have any news.” She asked. “Now that you mention it,” Twilight started “Yesterday I did received a letter from Princess Celestia, she said to not visit the Everfree forest today under any circumstances. I sent a letter to Zecora and invited her for a sleepover, I don’t want her staying there if there could be trouble.” Twilight said as she finished her milkshake. “Oh marvelous darling,” Rarity said as she smiled and clapped her hooves “another slumber party at Twilight’s.” Pinkie Pie began to shake. “C’mon everypony, let’s go to the Everfree forest!” Pinkie Pie declared. “Pinkie Pie, I just told you what the princess said. What could you possibly want to do at the Everfree forest?” Twilight asked. “Yeah, um, Pinkie it’s dark there and spooky.” Fluttershy added, “There are unknown animals, and twisted trees, and the princess warned us, and, um, I don’t want to go, you can’t make me.” Fluttershy whimpered, scaring herself with the description. She covered her eyes and hit her head as she rushed under the table. "Ouch." She said softly. “Sugarcube get up from under that table.” Applejack said. “We won’t be going to no Everfree forest, lessen it’s fer an emergency. Now Pinkie Pie why do ya want to go there?” She saw Pinkie Pie’s entire body convulse. “That’s why.” Pinkie Pie responded. “Pinkie I remember that means a doozy is going to happen and Celestia took the time to warn me, that under no circumstances should we go there. So, under no circumstances are we going to the Everfree forest.” Twilight said raising her voice. “But Twilight ---” Pinkie Pie began to object. “No Pinkie, it would be too dangerous on a normal day and we’re especially not going today.” Twilight told the pink pony. “Humph.” Pinkie said as she got up. “Fine, if you all feel that way, then I’ll just be heading home.” She walked out of Sugarcube Corner. “Do you think we should tell her?” Fluttershy asked “No, she’ll figure it out in a few minutes.” Twilight answered C’mon y’all, Zecora’s probably lookin’ fer us right now. Maybe she’s waitin’ at yer house Twi.” Applejack said. The ponies thanked Mrs. Cake once more and left for Twilight’s house. “Oh, what should I do?” Pinkie Pie thought to herself as she arrived at the entrance to the Everfree Forest. “Twilight said it could be dangerous and so did Princess Celestia. Well I guess the Princess didn’t technically say it was dangerous, she just warned Twilight not go there under any circumstances.” The pony looked at Ponyville and back again at the Everfree forest. “Hmm, well, I got this far and my Pinkie sense isn’t warning about me about certain doom.” Pinkie Pie looked at the sky and saw that the sun was still up, but she knew it would be dark soon. “Here I go.” She said and hopped into the Everfree forest. “It was a warning I’m glad she made, Rarity, if you don't mind, can tie you my hair into a braid?” Zecora asked Rarity as she looked Twilight’s collection of books. “Of course darling, Applejack and Twilight are just impossible; they never let me do anything with their manes.” Rarity answered walking over to her. “We like our mane’s the way they are, ain’t that right Twilight?” Applejack asked Twilight, while the unicorn continued to look out the window. “Where’s Pinkie Pie?” She asked nopony in particular “She should be here; I hope she’s not still mad about earlier.” “That pink powder puff drives me crazy sometimes, but don’t worry, she’ll be here any minute now, I’ll bet two bits on that. C’mon any takers how ‘bout you Applejack? Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash asked as she picked up Twilight’s copy of Daring Doo and the Chalice of Ice. “Um, girls, I stopped by Sugarcube Corner on my way here, Pinkie Pie hasn’t been back there since she left.” Fluttershy said to the group. Her friends were stunned. “What! Fluttershy why didn’t you say something earlier, she probably went to the forest, something terrible could happen to her.” Twilight said to the yellow pegasus. “I, um, oh dear.” Fluttershy began to cry. “Fluttershy there’s no time for tears.” Rainbow Dash said, “We have to go and save that pink powder puff, I mean, Pinkie Pie, from whatever the Princess warned Twilight about.” The ponies heard an incredible blast coming from outside. Twilight Sparkle turned back to the widow, “That came from the Everfree forest; we have to go find Pinkie Pie and bring her back to Ponyville.” “The boom we heard was big and great; I only hope we’re not too late.” Zecora said as she ran out of the house. The ponies followed her as they all rushed to the Everfree forest hoping that their friend was safe. Pinkie Pie hopped further into the Everfree forest until her body began to shake again. “I guess this is where the doozy is supposed to happen.” She said looking around her. “Uh oh, it’s dark, I can’t see a thing.” Her knees and hooves and began to shake. Huh, I wonder what that means? She thought. She noticed a bright light beginning to shine on her. ”What the hay is that?” She looked up and saw that the light was coming from shooting star. She was mesmerized by its size, before she realized it was heading directly for her. “Oh no, oh no, oh no, I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight, DON’T KILL ME!” Pinkie Pie yelled as she dove behind a large rock for cover. Pinkie Pie shut her eyes and covered her ears as the flaming mass crashed and exploded into the ground, the nearby trees blew to pieces. “Wow! That was loud!” Pinkie Pie walked toward the crater, a bit shaken, but glad she was alive. “I never heard anything so loud before, well one time I went to a DJ Pon3 party and the music there was so loud that the ground started shaking, but I think this just topped that.” The pink pony rambled on as she stood at the edge of crater. A figure slowly began to climb out from the smoking hole in the ground. It was wearing a red jumpsuit and a gas mask, and other things Pinkie had never seen before. “AHHH! AN ALIEN!" Pinkie Pie screamed as she ran behind a rock again, this time to hide from the newly arrived visitor. The strange being stretched its body out and look around, having no idea why he was in the middle of a forest or how he was able to survive a fall which had enough force to obliterate the nearby trees, he would have to remember to ask the Engineer about it, if he ever saw him again. “It’s okay Pinkie just laugh, laughing makes everything better.” Pinkie Pie said to herself, “Ha ha ha.” She peaked her head out from behind the rock. “Ha, ha, ha.” She repeated. The visitor looked at the pink and puffy horse thing that was laughing in front of him. “Ha, ha, ha, hehe …” Pinkie Pie lost herself in laughter, giggling and holding her sides. The visitor pulled out his trustee Rainblower, “Maybe this strange creature would like to see it?” He thought. Pinkie Pie continued laughing. The Rainblower let out a steady stream which consumed Pinkie Pie instantly. She screamed. Chapter 2“I’m glad dat freak is gone, why do we need ‘im anyway, to scare little kids?” Scout said loudly. He was only one in the team base when the Engineer returned from the battlefield, and the only who knew that the Pyro was gone. “Son, we’re a team, when everyone plays their part, that’s when we succeed.” Dell said to the young man. “Whatevas hardhat, if they was eight of me, this team would neva lose.” The Engineer turned away from the fast talking Bostonian. “You keep thinking that son. Why don’t you go play somewhere, I need to figure this out.” The Engineer said quietly, looking through a pile of documents on his desk. “Don’t give me dat, you only miss him cos he looks after ya toys.” Scout said opening his locker. “Hey, dere’s my ball.” As he picked up his baseball, he noticed a short staff topped with an orange orb and black spikes. A gift from the Pyro, Scout called it the devil’s toilet plunger when he first saw it. “Um, so uh, what happened to ‘im anyways?” He asked as he picked up the mace and began swinging it. “I don’t really know, a spy sapped the teleporter while he was in it, the travel’s near-instantaneous, but the nanosecond delay was just enough to send him to god knows where. I need to bring him back.” The Engineer began to look at the blueprints for the teleporter, maybe there was something in them that can explain what happened to the Pyro “Wait hold up, what makes ya think he’s still alive.” Scout said, trying not to sound worried. “I’m an optimist son.” Dell responded annoyed at the continued interruptions. “Right, well I’m gonna go look for a shape-shifting rat, I’ll be back.” The scout said as he ran out of the base. “I think I am feeling rather numb; I fear that Pinkie Pie’s time has come.” Zecora said to the five ponies. The six had heard Pinkie Pie’s screams when they reached the forest entrance. They all feared the worse. “Rainbow Dash, you’re the fastest pony in Equestria, fly above the trees and see if you can find where that explosion came from, we’ll all be right behind you.” Twilight said to the pegasus. “Right.” Rainbow Dash responded as she flew away at break neck speed. The five below ran as fast as they could, trying to keep up with their flying friend. They pushed themselves to their limits, their legs burning and their lungs ready to burst. “I found her!” Rainbow Dash yelled to the group below. “Is … is … Pinkie Pie alright?” Rarity asked gasping for air. “Um … you guys need to see this.” Rainbow Dash said as she landed next to her friend. “I think she made a new friend.” The six slowly crept up to see what Rainbow meant. “Girls look,” Fluttershy said “All the trees are gone." “Uh, Fluttershy, I think y'all should worry less about the trees and look at that.” Applejack said to the pink haired pegasus. Fluttershy looked out into the clearing and saw Pinkie Pie rolling and giggling in a stream of bubbles and rainbows coming from a tuba held by a large, strange looking creature. “Uh, what the heck are we looking at?” Applejack asked. “Pinkie Pie is surrounded by rainbows and bubbles; I’m so happy she’s not in trouble.” Zecora said, as awestruck as the other ponies over what they were witnessing. “I think that’s what Princess Celestia was trying to warn us about.” Twilight said to the rest of her friends. “Well, we can’t just stand here staring at her, we should see go what’s going on.” The six slowly moved forward toward Pinkie Pie and her new friend. “Hi girls! What’s going on?” Pinkie Pie asked her friends as the Pyro stood next to her. “Oh nothing” Rainbow Dash answered, “you know, WE WERE JUST SCARED OUT OF OUR MINDS, THINKING THAT YOU WERE DEAD!” “Oh, Rainbow don’t be silly I’m fine and look, I made a new friend.” Pinkie Pie said as she gave the Pyro a big hug. “He came from a shooting star and look he has this tuba that shoots bubbles and rainbows, isn’t that awesome!” “But Pinkie Pie, there was a huge explosion and we heard you screaming.” Rarity said glad that her friend was safe. “Well duh, wouldn’t you scream for joy if you made a new friend and he had this awesome tuba that shoots bubbles and rainbows?” Pinkie said as she hopped around the Pyro. He looked at the newly arrived small horse; he had never seen anything so adorable. Pyro picked up his Rainblower and sprayed the rest of the group. “Oh Pinkie I guess that is pretty neat.” Fluttershy said as she moved closer to the Pyro and began to nuzzle him. “Hello sir, what’s your name?” She asked him. “Mmmrpgh crpyha drghya!" (My name isn’t important, but for the sake of convenience you miniature colorful horses may call me Pyro, that is how my colleagues refer to me.) The Pyro said as he put away his Rainblower. “I think his name is Mumphy.” Pinkie Pie said smiling and hopping in place. “Is that right Mumphy?” She asked him. “Mnmph” (No little pink horse, but I suspect that is how you are going to refer to me anyway ... it will do.) Pyro responded. “I’m right, yay, I’m so good at guessing games.” Pinkie Pie announced “Pinkie, his name probably isn’t Mumphy, regardless he is what Princess Celestia warned us about, and he could be dangerous.” Twilight said. “Yeah watch out Twilight” Pinkie Pie giggled “his bubbles could pop and destroy us all.” Rarity whispered to Fluttershy “I bet Derpy could find a way to hurt us with bubbles.” They both giggled. "Mmphn frphha herrpha." (Only the blue pegasus would have anything to fear from me, but you are animals, not humans. I mean you no harm.) Pyro said as he took out his lollichop. “CANDY! Twilight how could he be dangerous, he’s giving us candy.” Pinkie Pie said, she paused for a moment and added “Okay never mind about that, but don’t worry about it, he’s friendly, and nice, and he has a tuba that shoots bubbles and rainbows.” “Alright sugarcube, we believe ya, truth be told he looks kinda peculiar, but he’s been nothin’ but friendly like to you. I think we should take him into town.” Applejack said to the group. Twilight frowned “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Pinkie Pie gave Twilight a sad look. “But, I guess you’re right, he doesn’t seem dangerous. I’m still going to send a letter to Princess Celestia. She or Princess Luna must know something about him." “Yay! C’mon Mumphy, you can stay in the Cake’s extra bedroom and you can show the twins your bubble blowing tuba, it’ll be great!” She squealed as the ponies began to walk away with their new friend. “Mmmphya harrgh mrgha hrghgph!” (Would your Princess Celestia and Princess Luna be able to help me get back home, I too worry about my friends and would not want to leave them for too long.) Pyro said as he walked with ponies. “You got that right Mumphy.” Pinkie said happily. Pyro put his palm on his forehead, there would appear to be some limitations when communicating to animals. He thought. Pyro brushed it off and walked on, content to be with his new friends for the time being. Chapter 3Dear Princess Celestia Yesterday my friends and I went into the Everfree Forest against your wishes. My deepest apologies, but we thought somepony was in trouble and we had to help them. I hope you can see it fit to forgive us. On another note we met a strange being in the forest and Pinkie Pie considers him a new friend. I need to know why you didn’t want us to visit the forest yesterday and if this creature has something to do with it. He will be staying in Ponyville at Sugarcube Corner for the time being. Patiently awaiting your response Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle. “Spike has the Princesses responded yet? I need you to let me know as soon as she does!” “Calm down Twilight, you just sent the letter five minutes ago. I’ll let you when she writes back; maybe you should go see what Pinkie Pie is doing.” “Spike, this could be the most important letter in the history of letters; the fate of Ponyville, no, the fate Equestria could be at stake! I need to be here and read it as soon as it comes.” “Twilight, how about I go with you to Sugarcube Corner to visit this “strange being,” I’d kinda like to meet him and that way you can be sure when I receive the letter.” “Well, alright, wait. Did you finish your chores?” “No, not yet, but the fate of Equestria could be at stake, we should go to Sugar Cube Corner and make sure everything’s okay.” The little dragon said as he walked out the door. “Welcome lambs, to the slaughter!” Helen the administrator said into the microphone, she wanted to make sure all her recordings were up to date before she took her one-hour break for the year. She heard a knock on the door. “Enter, Miss Pauling.” She said lighting a cigarette. “Administrator, Mr. Conagher is on the line.” Miss Pauling told her superior. She placed her palm on her forehead, “I can only guess what he wants.” She said as she picked up her phone. “Yes? I see. Missing? That puts you and your team at a severe disadvantage. Yes. Well, for the time being we shall send a robot. Don’t worry, a new coat of paint and it will attack the other team just like that mute idiot we all know and loathe. What? You don’t loathe him, you say. Friends? Well, too each their own. This conversation is over.” “Is everything alright administrator?” Miss Pauling asked her employer. “I have proven once again that I am very good at the guessing game.” She said as she turned back to her microphone and her television screens. “Mr. Conaher seemed very concerned about something administrator.” Miss Pauling said, fearing she may have annoyed Helen with her question. “Hale developed a new electro-sapper that will send anything in a teleporter, while the sapper is placed, to another universe.” She groaned when she saw that her assistant was not satisfied with the explanation. “We were going to use it permanently dispose of any items that could misconstrued as ‘illegal’ or ‘evidence’ and for people that could be deemed as ‘credible’ and whom we couldn’t simply kill. We tested it with our mercenaries, and it was a success, the Red mute pyromaniac is currently god knows where.” “But administrator, will we be able to bring him back?” “It is possible, his scientists were blithering on about how it can rip a hole in space time or in the something or other, but it is definitely possible. The real downside is that the sapper can only be used once and it cost several million dollars to produce, Hale has the means, but I have no desire in speaking with that idiot.” “I could call him for you.” Miss Pauling said, hiding behind her clipboard. “I will not have you waste your time on such trivial pursuits. We will send Red team one of those robots that Mann keeps building; those morons won’t even know the difference. Make sure you have it painted before shipping it, it may still kill those primates but at least the blood won’t be noticeable.” The administrator spun her chair and returned her gaze to the television monitors as Miss Pauling walked out of her office. “Twilight, Spike, I’m so glad you’re here, you gotta see what Mumphy can do, it’s so cool. Go ahead Mumphy show them.” Pinkie Pie turned to her new friend. The Pyro was glad to show off his taunt, he motioned the ponies to stand back and created a rainbow over himself with a chubby pink unicorn at the top of the arch. “That’s beautiful Pinkie, but why are we standing so far ba--” Twilight was interrupted by a small explosion, the rainbow seemed to have caught fire and flames rushed out from under the Pyro’s feet. “What the! What was that? Pinkie Pie, isn’t that dangerous?” “Well duh Twilight, if you play with fire you could get burned.” She said as she gave the Pyro a big hug. “That’s awesome Mumphy, c’mon let’s go show the other ponies in town.” “What? Pinkie, no it could be dangerous, Spike, help.” Twilight said frazzled, she could still feel the heat from the flames. “Twilight calm down, it’s no different from fireworks, if the ponies just stay a safe distance away no one will get hurt.” The purple dragon explained. “And besides Pinkie Pie is with him and she would never let anyone get hurt.” The purple dragon burped out green flames and a piece of rolled up parchment. “Good Princess Celestia responded, read the letter Spike.” Spike cleared his throat and began to read. To my faithful student, Twilight Sparkle I am very pleased to hear that you were willing to risk your well-being for a friend and I could never fault you for that. A shooting star was set to crash last night in the Everfree forest, Princess Luna was able to divert its course far away from your Zebra friend’s hut and it should have landed in a section of the forest where no creature, pony or otherwise, would get hurt. As for your new friend, I can’t say I have any knowledge of him or where he came from; perhaps he is an unknown species of animal, who makes his home in the forest. Please never hesitate to contact me with any news or questions you may have. Yours truly, Princess Celestia “Well that’s that I guess. Princess Celestia says that this guy has nothing to with the danger.” Spike said to Twilight Sparkle. “I’m still going to have to ask him some questions Spike. Pinkie Pie said that he came from that shooting star, that’s not something that just happens, we need to find out where he’s from and how to send him back.” “Uhh, Twilight, why would you want to send him back? He seems like a real cool guy, and maybe he can show me how to do some of those fire tricks and then maybe I can impress ---” “Spike, even if he’s not a danger to any of us, he’s obviously not from here, and I don’t mean just Equestria. He has his own home and probably family and friends who miss him.” Twilight Sparkle explained. “So you think he’s an alien Twilight? Anyways, if he wants to leave why doesn’t he just say something?” “I don’t think he’s an alien Spike, I think his home is even farther away than that. His whole presence here seems ... off. And I told you, he can understand us just fine but we can’t understand him, it’s just muffled noise to us, and I doubt Pinkie has asked him anything meaningful. I bet everypony speaks like that where he’s from …,” Twilight Sparkle gasped “wait, what if ponies don’t even exist where he’s from?” “Twilight, of course ponies exist where he’s from; how would magic exist without unicorns, how could they change the weather without the pegasus, and not to mention all the things we need earth ponies for.” Spike reassured his friend. “Well, we’re still going to need to question him.” Twilight Sparkle said. “How are we going to that?” Spike asked. “Don’t worry about that Spike, I have a plan.” Twilight Sparkle said to her number one assistant. Chapter 4Twilight Sparkle and Spike found the Pyro showing off his taunt to the Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom near the water fountain. “Awesome,” Scootaloo said “how do you do it?” “Mmmrph” (Well little one, it involves a complex manipulation of the laws of physics, I need to be fully focused on bending the light rays to create the rainbow effect, the unicorn just appears. And for some reason, I also need to be holding this.” The Pyro said, as pulled out Rainblower out of thin air “Where the heck did that come from?” Apple Bloom asked him pointing out the sudden appearance of a large three horned tube from behind his back. “Mrmph mur” (Where I come from, we have very deep pockets.) The Pyro responded. He began to shower the cutie mark crusaders with bubbles and rainbows, the three frolicked under the wondrous out pour. Pinkie Pie stood back and talked to passing ponies. “He came from a shooting star and he’s super friendly, look at his tuba, it shoots bubbles.” Pinkie Pie said to Golden Delicious. “He sure seems nice Pinkie, what’s his name?” “I call him Mumphy, but Twilight Sparkle doesn’t think that’s his name, but he hasn’t set me on fire yet, so I guess he doesn’t mind.” “Fire?” Golden Harvest asked sounding worried. “Never mind, you should go say hello.” Pinkie Pie told the reluctant pony. Golden Delicious called out to Mumphy and waved at him, he responded by raising his thumb. “That means yes and, I guess, hello too.” Pinkie Pie said goodbye as the orange-mane pony walked away. Twilight Sparkle walked toward her. "Hi Twilight, what's up?" “Hi Pinkie, Princess Celestia said that the warning yesterday was about the shooting star.” “Does that mean she knew Mumphy was coming?” “No, she had no idea, but do you mind if I talk to Mumphy?” “Don’t ask me Twilight, ask him.” Twilight and Spike walked towards the Pyro. “So Twilight, what’s your plan?” Spike asked the unicorn. “Some mind manipulation magic, interrogation, bribery, some fourth thing?” “Excuse me sir, may I ask you some questions.” Twilight Sparkle asked smiply. “That’s it?” Spike asked confused. “Oh Spike, no need to make things so complicated.” She responded “Mmmmphr” (Of course purple unicorn, maybe you can aid me in getting back home, I understand that your species of pony can do magic.) Twilight Sparkle gave him a nervous smile. He began to look around and saw a stack of newspapers; he rushed to grab one If these creatures can speak English, they can most certainly read and write it. He thought. He sighed when he saw that their written language was gibberish to him. This would take a few hours to translate. He felt a gentle nuzzle on his side. “Listen, we can’t really communicate, but you can understand me, so how about I ask you some yes or no questions and we can develop from there, would that be alright? Twilight asked. The Pyro gave her a thumbs up. “That means “Yes” Twilight!” She heard Pinkie Pie yell from behind her. The Pyro pointed to Pinkie Pie “Mrmhmph mrmumph” (I would like her to be there when you ask your questions; she deserves to know everything that you may learn from our interview.) “You ... want Pinkie to come with us?” Twilight asked, not sure if that’s what the Pyro meant, he gave her another thumbs up. “Pinkie, um, Mumphy would like you to be there with us when I ask him questions, can you meet us at the library?” “Of course Twilight, lets go right now.” Pinkie Pie said as she hopped next to Mumphy. Got anything, brotha? The Scout asked Dell, as he gave the Pyro robot one last whack with his mace. “I figured out it was no run of the mill sapper which sent the Pyro to Mars or Venus or wherever he's gone to. That’s all I got for now though.” “Well not t’ rush you or nothing but dat was the seventh box we got from Mann Co., and in case you hadn’t noticed, the bots dat’s in 'em boxes, they keep trying to kill us as soon as we open 'em.” “Well then, maybe you should stop opening the crates.” “What! You just can’t not open a box from dem, what if they got new toys in 'em or maybe even a hat.” The Engineer sighed “Maybe you should stop opening the boxes that are making noises then. And another thing, why are you using that, you said it was useless when he gave it to you.” “I did, I did, I uh, just wanted a challenge, ya’ know.” The Engineer chuckled “Well alright son, let me get back to work, I’ll figure all this out soon enough." “We have received another noise making package from Mann Co. men; I have a good feeling there are hats in this one.” Soldier said, as he began to open the box. “First things first. I’m Twilight Sparkle. It’s nice to officially meet you, even if we don’t know your real name yet.” Twilight Sparkle said offering her hoof to the Pyro. He shook it gently. Pinkie Pie gasped in horror “I never introduced myself! Oh no!” She rushed to the Pyro and began shaking his hand “I’m so sorry, I don’t know what got over me, I usually always, always introduce myself to new people as soon as I meet them, I’m so sorry, my name is Pinkamena Diane Pie, but you can call me Pinkie Pie.” She gave the Pyro a hug. “I’m so sorry Mumphy, can you ever forgive me.” She began to cry. The Pyro petted Pinkie Pie’s mane, she smiled. “Okay, now that introductions are done, are you an alien?” Twilight Sparkle asked. “Mrmph.” (I would say that I am, but I do not recognize any of your night sky’s constellations and strangely enough, I can breathe. If science fiction is to be believed, this is most likely some sort of parallel universe and this place, a carbon copy of earth with a few, obvious, differences.) The Pyro gave a thumbs up. "You are, good to know." Twilight said. “Okay, do you want to go home, wherever that may be?” The Pyro looked at Pinkie Pie, “Mmmrgh” (Do not take this to mean I do not appreciate your friendship, but I have a life where I am from, with people who depend on me, I do wish to go back home.) He gave a thumbs up. Pinkie Pie began to cry. “Oh Mumphy! You don’t like it here!” She held onto the Pyro as she began to cry, louder than before “I’ll give you all the cupcakes you want, if you could forgive me for holding you here against you’re will.” Pyro petted her mane again and Pinkie stopped crying and began to smile. “You don’t hate me?” She asked, he responded by shaking his finger. “Yay!” she yelled. “Pinkie please, he probably has friends and family who miss back home, he can’t just abandon them. Okay, next question, do you know how you arrived in Equestria?” “Egh yrgh mghma” (Not exactly, although I did hear talk around the Mann Co. laboratories, of some sort electro-sapper that could send a teleporting subject to another universe. It sounded like rubbish to me, with no practical applications, but perhaps that is the reason why I found myself encased in a meteoroid and landing in this world of talking miniature horses.) The Pyro shrugged his shoulders and raised his palms. “Well, at least hoof gestures are universal. You don’t know?” Twilight Sparkle asked. The Pyro gave a thumbs up. “Okay last question, is your name Mumphy?” The Pyro looked at Pinkie Pie, who was sitting and smiling at him. He thought for a moment, and gave a thumbs up. “Yay! I told you I was good at the guessing game, Twilight. C’mon Mumphy, we still need to introduce you to everyone in Ponyville. Um, wait, Twilight are you sure you don’t need to ask him anymore questions?” Pinkie Pie asked happily, hopping around her red suited friend. “No Pinkie, you two go off and meet everypony, I have a letter to write to Princess Celestia.” Twilight Sparkle said as Spike came rushing into the living room. “Wait! Mumphy, was it? Can you teach me how to do some of your fire tricks? Spike asked holding onto the Pyro’s jumpsuit. “Mmphpry!” (If you can learn, I will teach you. Now attempt to mimic my movements) The Pyro crouched and clasped his hands together; he released them in front of him and let out a fireball. “Oh, that is so awesome.” Spike said as he started to copy the Pyro’s gestures. He let out a tiny spark from his palms. “I did it! I did it!” He cheered, “Twilight did you see?” “I sure did Spike, that’s great, but I need you to write a letter, then you can hang out with Mumphy some more. Okay?” She told the dragon. The Pyro petted his spikes and went off meet some more of the inhabitants of Ponyville. “Okay Twilight, what am I writing?” He asked with a quill and parchment waiting. Twilight cleared her throat. Dear Princess Celestia, I had recently let you know that we discovered a new friend in the Everfree forest and after a short interview I was able to gather that he does in fact come from another world. He is in no way dangerous, in fact he has become friends with several of the ponies here in Ponyville. He has let me know that he does wish to return home, but he seems content to stay here with us for the time being. Since you have experience sending ponies to far off places, I request that you visit Ponyville and see if you can help our new friend, Mumphy, return home. Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle “Okay, come on Spike, lets go see hang out with Mumphy and Pinkie.” Twilight said. She smiled as she and Spike ran to go find their new friend. “Twelve, frickin’ twelve of those bot things! What the hell is wrong with Mann Co., how come they ain’t getting killed packing up these bots.” The Scout yelled over the Engineer’s shoulder. “Men, I’m 300% percent positive this one has a hat. It sure does sound like one.” The Soldier announced carrying another crate. “Thirteen! Frickin’ thirteen! Engie, you got anything yet?” Scout said as he hid the crowbar. “I think I do son. I found a broken sapper near my teleporter, it's been modified. I can use parts from my Pomson and make something similar that could send me to wherever the Pyro got to.” The Engineer said as he looked over blueprints of an electro-sapper. “You mean that over-powered alien gun you got? Wait, what da, are you f@*king crazy! You’re gonna go look for the mute; you don’t even know if he’s alive! And how the hell is this thing going to send you to where he’s at?” Scout said worried, as the Soldier started to beat the box open with his shovel. “Optimism .” The Engineer said as he put his ray gun on top of his work station. “No, no, no, no, no, no, no way. We can live without the mute, but we still need you, what are we gonna do when I need a dispenser here?” He said as he saw the Soldier getting closer and closer to opening the crate. “Well that’s too bad son, I’m already working on it and unless I suddenly become as stupid as those scientists up at Mann Co. it’s gonna be ready in a few hours.” “Yeah, well good job there hardhat. Bring him home soon then.” Scout said as he patted the Engineer on his back. “Men, good news! It’s a large metal hat; I think it’s for the Heavy. More good news, it’s shaped just like the Pyro and it just set me on fire.” “Aw, jeez.” The Scout said as he picked up his mace. Chapter 5“I do not want you to risk your life so carelessly; your services to this team are held in high regard, it would be almost impossible to accomplish anything without you.” The Spy began speaking what sounded like a rehearsed speech. “Uh, Spy?” The Engineer tried to interrupt. “Allow me to continue.” He spat at the Engineer. “Without you, what would this team be? I’ll tell you what it would be, a pile of good for nothing, slack-jawed imbeciles. Tell me, how many enemies have perished against your cold steel, how many boots have quivered at the mere utterance of your title? Tell me!” “Spy, can I get a word in please?” “Will you please be quiet? Now, I know I never told you this, but you are … very important to me and to the team. They look up to you, you know, of course they would never admit it, but they do. I both admire and respect your work. I cannot bear the thought of world without a man of your talents.” The Spy turned away from his mirror and to the Engineer. “Now, what the hell do you want cowboy? I’m busy here.” “I can see that, I need your help, you see ---” “But of course you do, this team always needs my f@*king help, without me, you’d all be ---” “A pile of good for nothing, slack jawed, imbeciles; Yeah, I heard your little pep talk. Now, I need you to sap one of my teleporters while I’m in it.” “What!? Get the boy to do it; do not bother me with such paltry requests.” The Spy said as he turned back to his mirror. “Hold up turncoat, listen I’m asking you, okay? I need finesse, we only have one shot at this and I’m going to need you to help me so I can find the Pyro and get him back here.” “Ugh, listen here laborer; I have no desire to participate in any rescue attempt for that pyromaniacal mute. I’m tired of him always chasing me around with his little lance-flammes, or however you Americans refer to it.” “Flame thrower, you snake.” “Petty insults will not work on me; now get out of my office, I will not be helping you. Entiendes? Capito? Míngbáile ma? Understand? Got it, pardner?” “It’s a shame you feel that way frenchie, because we all know what you’ve been doing with the Scout’s mother ...” He said holding up a manila envelope. “Is that a threat? What do I care? Tell him, if he tries anything I will end him, and then go to his house and faire l’amour to his mother.” “I have no doubt you would do that, but as I said, everyone knows what you’ve been with the scout’s mother, only I know what you have been doing with the Heavy’s mother and his sister. Not to mention what’s been going on with a certain Demoman’s mama, one Mrs. DeGroot.” The Engineer opened it and showed the Spy photographs of his escapades. “A bit of photographic evidence, just in case they have trouble believin'.” The Spy’s cigarette fell out of his mouth. “What? But how? They live in a frozen wasteland and she’s …” The Spy calmed himself, cleared his throat, and straightened his tie. “No matter, if you give me the photographs, I will help you.” The Spy said, one hand reaching for his cigarette case and the other asking for the envelope. “Heh heh, you must think I was born yesterday son, I’ll make you deal though, you help me and I’ll think about not leaving these photos on top of Sasha and atop a case of scrumpy. We got a deal?” The Engineer said with a grin as he grabbed the Spy’s hand. The Spy sighed “Yes, we have an accord.” Spike stood next to Ponyville’s newest honorary citizen and attempted to complete his own miniature rainbow, unfortunately he was only able to produce the small explosion that came afterwards. “Aw, what am I doing wrong?” He asked the Pyro. “Hudda, hudda, huh” (Nothing Spike, you simply lack the proper tools, here I’ll allow you to hold this for the time being.) He handed Spike his Rainblower. “What, I need this? But it’s too big, I can’t move my hands and do those other things you do while I’m holding it.” The Pyro took back his Rainblower. Maybe he only needs to be touching it. He thought. "Oh, look at him.” Rarity said watching from a distance with her friends. “Fluttershy, now I’ll admit that his appearance scared me a bit when I first saw him, and that jumpsuit is still a crime against fashion, but now I think he’s simply adorable.” “Oh no Rarity, I could see he was special the moment I saw him, that’s why it was so easy for me to walk up to him. But, I’ll admit, his rainbow explosion still scares me.” Fluttershy said as she saw the Pyro touching Spike’s tail with his Rainblower. “Imagine if I could light the trail of my Sonic Rainboom on fire, it would be like I’m moving so fast that rainbows and flames are eating my dust.” Rainbow Dash said, dreaming of the possibility. “Pinkie, darling, I’m so glad you found him, he’s a marvelous addition to our little town.” Rarity said as she watched Spike produce a tiny Rainbow of his own. “Well done Spike! Um, girls where’s Applejack?” “She couldn’t come,” answered Twilight, “she’s really busy on the farm, she’s bucking the apple trees, you know her. “Oh that’s a shame; well, we will all be able to get together tomorrow.” Rarity said with a smile. “Look, Mumphy and Spike are going to try to do the Rainbow thing together!” cried Pinkie Pie pointing at the pair. The ponies around stopped and watched as the Pyro created his rainbow and right next to him Spike produced his own fully colored Rainbow with a white unicorn at the top of the arch. Both let their rainbows explode at the same time. The ponies who had gathered around stomped their hooves and let out cheers. The noise could have put Princess Luna’s voice to shame. Twilight walked over to Pinkie Pie. “Pinkie, I need to talk to you.” She whispered. They both walked away from the noise, Pinkie knew what Twilight wanted to talk about. “Pinkie I don’t want you to think I don't like Mumphy, but I had to let the Princess know that he was here and that he wanted to go home. I asked her if she could help us send him back home. ” “Twilight, I know that’s the right thing to do and I’m not mad, it’s just that …” Her eyes began to tear up, “If he leaves, I may never see him again.” She hugged her friend. “I don’t want to lose any of my friends Twilight, never ever.” Twilight found her eyes begin to water too. “I’m sorry Pinkie, but it’s for the best.” She managed to get out. The two hugged while each let the other wet their coat with tears. “Twilight please, I don’t want to lose anybody, don’t let me lose him.” She said as held on to Twilight tighter. “Pinkie, that’s …” She had trouble finding the right words, “that’s how life is, friends come and sometimes, they have to go.” “But why Twilight, why should they go, it’s not fair!” she yelled out in anger. “Pinkie, that’s the way it is, we can’t change it.” Twilight dried her tears. “I know it’s hard, but be glad you met him, you formed a very special friendship and I don’t think either of you will ever forget it.” “We wouldn’t have to forget it, if he didn’t have to leave.” She said still crying as she walked away. “Pinkie, where are you going, you can still ---” “Uh, Twilight,” Spike said softly behind her “we got a letter from Princess Celestia.” Twilight Sparkle wiped her eyes again, “Okay Spike, read it please.” To My Faithful Student Twilight Sparkle I have no idea what you meant by your little moon comment. However, I do possess the ability to send beings back to their rightful place; I have only used this power to aid lost travelers and other creatures to return to their homes here in Equestria, never to a far off destination as you suspect might be the case. I will be leaving for Ponyville shortly after writing this letter and I will see if I can help your friend. Yours truly, Princess Celestia Twilight giggled “I didn’t mention the moon.” She immediately felt guilty How can I laugh when Pinkie Pie and Mumphy are never going to see each other again. She thought. “Spike, come on we need to find to Mumphy and tell him the news.” “He already knows Twilight; he was there when I received the letter. He grabbed a newspapers and took it with him to Fluttershy’s house. Rarity and Rainbow Dash went with them too. “Then I need to go find Pinkie Pie and tell her that Celestia is coming, she may be angry, but she would never forgive herself if she didn’t at least say goodbye. Spike you go back into town and see what Mumphy is doing.” Spike gave Twilight a thumbs up as she walked away to look for Pinkie Pie. “Now what is it you wish me to do exactly?” The Spy asked as the Engineer finished hammering away at his teleporter. “I’m going to need you to place that sapper on the teleporter, the instant that you see me disappear from this end. Any later and it won’t work.” The Engineer answered. “And if should ‘accidently’ mistime my placement? Repeatedly, if it may be the case.” The Spy asked “ No reruns on this show, if I gotta destroy that sapper, then that's it, no more where that came from. Then two of our strongest teammates will hunt you down and beat the tar out of you and then some. And I’ll make sure the rest of the team helps them find you if you decide to disappear into some corner of the building. Capisce? Comprende? Got it, partner? “Loud and clear ... my illiterate friend.” The Spy said under his breath. “What you say backstabber?” The Engineer asked pointing his wrench at the Spy. “Nothing.” The Spy responded quickly “That’s what I thought, now get ready, I’m going in.” The Engineer said as he stepped onto his teleporter entrance. The Spy eyed the timer on the exit. When the Engineer disappeared from his view he placed the sapper, it began to destroy the building, the Engineer was neither on the entrance nor exit port. “Au revoir, Dell Conagher, au revoir. Now then, where did he put those damn photographs?” The Spy asked himself, heading toward the base. “What photos?” He heard an Scottish-accented voice ask behind him. “Oh, hello Mr. DeGroot, just some private photographs that you need not concern your primitive brain with.” He said nervously, slowly backing away. He turned around and tried to run inside the base. His path was blocked by the Heavy. “Hello Heavy, would you mind moving your hulking mass away from my path, I need to locate a certain envelope.” The Heavy stepped to the side, the Spy sighed in relief. When he arrived at the door, it was opened by the Scout holding a manila envelope. The Spy turned around and saw two dangerous men glowering at him. He screamed. “Pinkie, where are you?” Twilight called out, she had only been walking for a few minutes when she heard crying coming from behind a tree. “I’m over here Twilight.” Pinkie Pie responded. She had made a tiny stream of tears. Twilight sat next to Pinkie Pie and hugged her. “I know he has other people who love him, but I love him too.” Twilight stayed silent. “Twilight, you would never leave me right?” “Of course not Pinkie we’re friends for life.” Twilight said as she dried her friend’s tears. “And Fluttershy, and Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow too, right? They would never leave me?” Pinkie asked, stifling her tears. “Pinkie, we will all be here with you as long as we can help it.” Twilight said as she hugged her friend again. Pinkie Pie smiled "Twilight, can we just sit here for a little while?" “Sure Pinkie, but Princess Celestia will be coming to Ponyville soon to see if she can send Mumphy back.” Twilight said sadly. “Oh … okay, he won't leave until we say goodbye, right?” Pinkie Pie asked her friend "Of course not." She responded. The two sat in silence. It was dark when Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle walked back into two town; they saw no sight of anypony anywhere. "Hey! Where is Everypony!" Twilight Sparkle yelled. Roseluck called out to the two of them from her window. “Princess Luna issued a warning about a shooting star crashing around here, she said to stay indoors until she can divert it somewhere else.” She closed her windows. “Let’s go to Fluttershy’s cottage, that’s where Spike said Mumphy was going.” Twilight said to Pinkie. The silence of the town was broken by trumpets; it was the Princess’ royal guards escorting her to Ponyville. The two ponies bowed until Celestia landed and told them to rise. “I see the warning has once again gone unheeded by you Twilight Sparkle." The unicorn began to blush. “Don’t worry, Princess Luna will keep this town safe, the warning was just her and I overreacting. Now then, where is this Mumphy? I am very curious to meet him, seeing as how he has made such a big impression on you both.” “He should be at Fluttershy’s cottage Princess.” Twilight answered. “Very well then, let us go and pay Fluttershy a visit.” The three made their way to Fluttershy’s cottage to find that four ponies and the Pyro were waiting outside. The four bowed to the princess, the Pyro kneeled. “Applejack, I thought you were bucking apples today.” Pinkie Pie said. “This is more important sugarcube.” She answered softly. “Well now, this must be Mumphy, how do you do sir?” She asked, the Pyro not knowing proper etiquette when dealing with Equestrian royalty remained kneeling. “You may rise Mumphy and let me say that you made quite an impression with my little ponies here." “Ow dow how dow” (They too have made an impression on me Princess, I am sadden that I have to leave them, if leaving is even a possibility, that is.) The Princess gave him a nervous smile. “Um, right, do you wish to go home Mumphy? He gave her a thumbs up. “That means yes, I take it?” She asked the ponies, they nodded. “Very well then Mumphy, I will use all of my abilities to see if I can send you home.” The Pyro put his hand up and turned to the four ponies who were with him all day. “Mmph mphna mprh” (If you would be so kind as to bring out the gifts, I would be ever so grateful.) “Oh right,” Applejack said “we forgot about the gift's, Rarity come with me t' bring them out.” The two went inside. “After you and Pinkie left, Mumphy wanted to learn how to write in our language, so he bought a newspaper and asked us to read it to him, he made a chart with some strange symbols and our letters and he learned how to write, so we could understand it.” Fluttershy explained. “He spent all afternoon writing.” “Mumphy you learned how to read and write in an afternoon? It took me years to learn how to do that.” Pinkie said as she nuzzled the Pyro. Applejack came out with a book and Rarity floated a rolled up scroll. The book cover was fiery red with gold letters adorned on it. “It’s beautiful Mumphy.” She read the title “Pinkie Pie meets Mumphy.” Aww, is it a story about us?” He gave her a thumbs up. “He told us to tell you that it’s also full of drawings of where he’s from and his friends, Mumphy here is really smart, even Rarity had some trouble reading what he wrote.” Rainbow Dash told Pinkie Pie. “He does have a very advanced vocabulary; we all probably sound like foals to him.” Rarity added. “And Twilight this scroll is for you, it’s just a little something he wanted you to have.” “Thank you Mumphy.” Twilight gave him a hug and stood with the rest of her friends. “Mumphy, I guess this is it,” Pinkie said with tears in her eyes “I really wish you didn’t have to go, but I’m sure you know what's best.” The Pyro patted her mane and gave her a hug. “I’m going to miss you, I’ll never forget you Mumphy and you will always be one of my best friends.” “ Mmmmrph mmmh, mmh mmphn frphha herrpha mhnk nhya mgh mhpm” (And I will always cherish our friendship Pinkamena.) He had trouble letting her go. He stood up and gave Celestia a thumbs up. With a spark from her horn, the Pyro vanished, with only the book and scroll to prove he was ever there. “Thank you Princess Celestia, for helping Mumphy get back home.” Pinkie Pie said crying softly. “Of course Pinkie Pie, it was a very noble thing you did, making sure he was happy during his short stay here in Equestria.” “Thanks.” She couldn’t bring her head up. “My little ponies you have had a long day, I suggest you get some sleep. As for me, I have to return to Canterlot. One more thing Pinkie Pie, he may be gone, but no one, and certainly not you, will ever forget him. Farewell.” Princess Celestia left in her chariot while the mane six stood and stared at the night sky. “Twilight, maybe you should read that scroll?” Applejack said breaking the silence. Twilight opened the scroll and cleared her throat. Dearest Twilight Please read the sections in parenthesis only to yourself, if your friends inquire about the contents of this scroll, simply omit them. (I never found my name to be of particular importance and I rarely use it, unless it is required for legal documentation, though my friends and colleagues refer to me simply as Pyro. You may never be certain if your Princess Celestia was able to return me to my home, but for all intents and purposes, especially for Pinkamena’s sake, I did return.) I thank you for trying to learn so much about my origin. Had it been up to Pinkamena, I would have stayed with you all in Equestria forever. But, that would not have right thing to do, you were right in your assumption, there are people back home who depend on me, I save lives and eliminate dangers on a daily basis and those I save from now on, owe you a debt of gratitude. I thank you for helping me get back home, it takes a strong pony to put aside feelings for what needs to be done, in fact you remind me of an Australian gentleman whom I am acquainted with as well. Best of luck Twilight Sparkle Your friend Mumphy (The Pyro) “That was beautiful.” Rarity said as she began to cry. Fluttershy cried along with her. “What does Australian mean?” Rainbow Dash asked. “I’m guessin’ that means smart-like, right Twilight.” Applejack said as she poked Twilight. Pinkie Pie stopped crying and hugged her book. “Goodbye Mumphy.” She whispered. She opened it and saw a drawing of her and the Pyro, his hand in the air and her jumping and hitting it with her hoof. She smiled. Her whole body began to shake. “Um, girls …” she said as she looked up saw another shooting star in the night sky.
Chapter 1It was a hot summer’s day in Ponyville and the mane six had gathered in Sugarcube Corner to escape the heat and enjoy some cold treats. “Here you go dearies; five milkshakes and one ice cold very berry smoothie.” Mrs. Cake said as she placed the drinks on counter table. “Enjoy.” “Thanks Mrs. Cake.” The six ponies said in unison as each grabbed their own drink. “Rainbow, why did you get that smoothie and not a milkshake like the rest of us.” Rarity asked as she ate the cherry on the top of her milkshake. “You run of the mill ponies may get your kicks from melted ice cream, but I need a little more excitement.Excitement that frozen cow juice just can't provide.” Rainbow Dash said as she held her smoothie high, so everypony at the table could see it. “Oh, Rainbow, I, um, thought it was because you are lactose intolerant.” Fluttershy said. “Yeah, that too.” Rainbow Dash said as she sat back down and quietly drank her smoothie. “Lactose intolerant!" Pinkie Pie cried out. "Rainbow, what did lactose ever do to you? I’ll have you know some of my best friends are lactose, like, like, like this milkshake. Isn’t that right Mister Shake?” “That’s right Pinkie” She said in a low voice moving the shake from side to side. She finished her milkshake in one gulp. “We’re gonna need another Mister Shake here so he and Rainbow Dash can make up Mrs. Cake!” “Um, okay dearie.” The blue pony at the counter responded. She saw Twilight Sparkle shaking her head. “Yay! Wait, what were we talking about? Oh right. Rainbow! Tell me what you have against lactose!” Pinkie Pie demanded. “Pinkie, it means that she can’t consume dairy products or else she could get sick.” Twilight Sparkle answered. “Oh, I guess if something made me sick I’d be intolerant of it too. Never mind on that milkshake Mrs. Cake. It’s okay Rainbow, me and Mister Shake understand and we forgive you.” The blue pegasus continue to drink her smoothie, speechless about what had just happened. Pinkie looked at her friends as they all kept slurping away at their drinks. “Now that the crisis is through.” Applejack said, breaking the silence, “Anypony have any news.” She asked. “Now that you mention it,” Twilight started “Yesterday I did received a letter from Princess Celestia, she said to not visit the Everfree forest today under any circumstances. I sent a letter to Zecora and invited her for a sleepover, I don’t want her staying there if there could be trouble.” Twilight said as she finished her milkshake. “Oh marvelous darling,” Rarity said as she smiled and clapped her hooves “another slumber party at Twilight’s.” Pinkie Pie began to shake. “C’mon everypony, let’s go to the Everfree forest!” Pinkie Pie declared. “Pinkie Pie, I just told you what the princess said. What could you possibly want to do at the Everfree forest?” Twilight asked. “Yeah, um, Pinkie it’s dark there and spooky.” Fluttershy added, “There are unknown animals, and twisted trees, and the princess warned us, and, um, I don’t want to go, you can’t make me.” Fluttershy whimpered, scaring herself with the description. She covered her eyes and hit her head as she rushed under the table. "Ouch." She said softly. “Sugarcube get up from under that table.” Applejack said. “We won’t be going to no Everfree forest, lessen it’s fer an emergency. Now Pinkie Pie why do ya want to go there?” She saw Pinkie Pie’s entire body convulse. “That’s why.” Pinkie Pie responded. “Pinkie I remember that means a doozy is going to happen and Celestia took the time to warn me, that under no circumstances should we go there. So, under no circumstances are we going to the Everfree forest.” Twilight said raising her voice. “But Twilight ---” Pinkie Pie began to object. “No Pinkie, it would be too dangerous on a normal day and we’re especially not going today.” Twilight told the pink pony. “Humph.” Pinkie said as she got up. “Fine, if you all feel that way, then I’ll just be heading home.” She walked out of Sugarcube Corner. “Do you think we should tell her?” Fluttershy asked “No, she’ll figure it out in a few minutes.” Twilight answered C’mon y’all, Zecora’s probably lookin’ fer us right now. Maybe she’s waitin’ at yer house Twi.” Applejack said. The ponies thanked Mrs. Cake once more and left for Twilight’s house. “Oh, what should I do?” Pinkie Pie thought to herself as she arrived at the entrance to the Everfree Forest. “Twilight said it could be dangerous and so did Princess Celestia. Well I guess the Princess didn’t technically say it was dangerous, she just warned Twilight not go there under any circumstances.” The pony looked at Ponyville and back again at the Everfree forest. “Hmm, well, I got this far and my Pinkie sense isn’t warning about me about certain doom.” Pinkie Pie looked at the sky and saw that the sun was still up, but she knew it would be dark soon. “Here I go.” She said and hopped into the Everfree forest. “It was a warning I’m glad she made, Rarity, if you don't mind, can tie you my hair into a braid?” Zecora asked Rarity as she looked Twilight’s collection of books. “Of course darling, Applejack and Twilight are just impossible; they never let me do anything with their manes.” Rarity answered walking over to her. “We like our mane’s the way they are, ain’t that right Twilight?” Applejack asked Twilight, while the unicorn continued to look out the window. “Where’s Pinkie Pie?” She asked nopony in particular “She should be here; I hope she’s not still mad about earlier.” “That pink powder puff drives me crazy sometimes, but don’t worry, she’ll be here any minute now, I’ll bet two bits on that. C’mon any takers how ‘bout you Applejack? Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash asked as she picked up Twilight’s copy of Daring Doo and the Chalice of Ice. “Um, girls, I stopped by Sugarcube Corner on my way here, Pinkie Pie hasn’t been back there since she left.” Fluttershy said to the group. Her friends were stunned. “What! Fluttershy why didn’t you say something earlier, she probably went to the forest, something terrible could happen to her.” Twilight said to the yellow pegasus. “I, um, oh dear.” Fluttershy began to cry. “Fluttershy there’s no time for tears.” Rainbow Dash said, “We have to go and save that pink powder puff, I mean, Pinkie Pie, from whatever the Princess warned Twilight about.” The ponies heard an incredible blast coming from outside. Twilight Sparkle turned back to the widow, “That came from the Everfree forest; we have to go find Pinkie Pie and bring her back to Ponyville.” “The boom we heard was big and great; I only hope we’re not too late.” Zecora said as she ran out of the house. The ponies followed her as they all rushed to the Everfree forest hoping that their friend was safe. Pinkie Pie hopped further into the Everfree forest until her body began to shake again. “I guess this is where the doozy is supposed to happen.” She said looking around her. “Uh oh, it’s dark, I can’t see a thing.” Her knees and hooves and began to shake. Huh, I wonder what that means? She thought. She noticed a bright light beginning to shine on her. ”What the hay is that?” She looked up and saw that the light was coming from shooting star. She was mesmerized by its size, before she realized it was heading directly for her. “Oh no, oh no, oh no, I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight, DON’T KILL ME!” Pinkie Pie yelled as she dove behind a large rock for cover. Pinkie Pie shut her eyes and covered her ears as the flaming mass crashed and exploded into the ground, the nearby trees blew to pieces. “Wow! That was loud!” Pinkie Pie walked toward the crater, a bit shaken, but glad she was alive. “I never heard anything so loud before, well one time I went to a DJ Pon3 party and the music there was so loud that the ground started shaking, but I think this just topped that.” The pink pony rambled on as she stood at the edge of crater. A figure slowly began to climb out from the smoking hole in the ground. It was wearing a red jumpsuit and a gas mask, and other things Pinkie had never seen before. “AHHH! AN ALIEN!" Pinkie Pie screamed as she ran behind a rock again, this time to hide from the newly arrived visitor. The strange being stretched its body out and look around, having no idea why he was in the middle of a forest or how he was able to survive a fall which had enough force to obliterate the nearby trees, he would have to remember to ask the Engineer about it, if he ever saw him again. “It’s okay Pinkie just laugh, laughing makes everything better.” Pinkie Pie said to herself, “Ha ha ha.” She peaked her head out from behind the rock. “Ha, ha, ha.” She repeated. The visitor looked at the pink and puffy horse thing that was laughing in front of him. “Ha, ha, ha, hehe …” Pinkie Pie lost herself in laughter, giggling and holding her sides. The visitor pulled out his trustee Rainblower, “Maybe this strange creature would like to see it?” He thought. Pinkie Pie continued laughing. The Rainblower let out a steady stream which consumed Pinkie Pie instantly. She screamed.
Chapter 2“I’m glad dat freak is gone, why do we need ‘im anyway, to scare little kids?” Scout said loudly. He was only one in the team base when the Engineer returned from the battlefield, and the only who knew that the Pyro was gone. “Son, we’re a team, when everyone plays their part, that’s when we succeed.” Dell said to the young man. “Whatevas hardhat, if they was eight of me, this team would neva lose.” The Engineer turned away from the fast talking Bostonian. “You keep thinking that son. Why don’t you go play somewhere, I need to figure this out.” The Engineer said quietly, looking through a pile of documents on his desk. “Don’t give me dat, you only miss him cos he looks after ya toys.” Scout said opening his locker. “Hey, dere’s my ball.” As he picked up his baseball, he noticed a short staff topped with an orange orb and black spikes. A gift from the Pyro, Scout called it the devil’s toilet plunger when he first saw it. “Um, so uh, what happened to ‘im anyways?” He asked as he picked up the mace and began swinging it. “I don’t really know, a spy sapped the teleporter while he was in it, the travel’s near-instantaneous, but the nanosecond delay was just enough to send him to god knows where. I need to bring him back.” The Engineer began to look at the blueprints for the teleporter, maybe there was something in them that can explain what happened to the Pyro “Wait hold up, what makes ya think he’s still alive.” Scout said, trying not to sound worried. “I’m an optimist son.” Dell responded annoyed at the continued interruptions. “Right, well I’m gonna go look for a shape-shifting rat, I’ll be back.” The scout said as he ran out of the base. “I think I am feeling rather numb; I fear that Pinkie Pie’s time has come.” Zecora said to the five ponies. The six had heard Pinkie Pie’s screams when they reached the forest entrance. They all feared the worse. “Rainbow Dash, you’re the fastest pony in Equestria, fly above the trees and see if you can find where that explosion came from, we’ll all be right behind you.” Twilight said to the pegasus. “Right.” Rainbow Dash responded as she flew away at break neck speed. The five below ran as fast as they could, trying to keep up with their flying friend. They pushed themselves to their limits, their legs burning and their lungs ready to burst. “I found her!” Rainbow Dash yelled to the group below. “Is … is … Pinkie Pie alright?” Rarity asked gasping for air. “Um … you guys need to see this.” Rainbow Dash said as she landed next to her friend. “I think she made a new friend.” The six slowly crept up to see what Rainbow meant. “Girls look,” Fluttershy said “All the trees are gone." “Uh, Fluttershy, I think y'all should worry less about the trees and look at that.” Applejack said to the pink haired pegasus. Fluttershy looked out into the clearing and saw Pinkie Pie rolling and giggling in a stream of bubbles and rainbows coming from a tuba held by a large, strange looking creature. “Uh, what the heck are we looking at?” Applejack asked. “Pinkie Pie is surrounded by rainbows and bubbles; I’m so happy she’s not in trouble.” Zecora said, as awestruck as the other ponies over what they were witnessing. “I think that’s what Princess Celestia was trying to warn us about.” Twilight said to the rest of her friends. “Well, we can’t just stand here staring at her, we should see go what’s going on.” The six slowly moved forward toward Pinkie Pie and her new friend. “Hi girls! What’s going on?” Pinkie Pie asked her friends as the Pyro stood next to her. “Oh nothing” Rainbow Dash answered, “you know, WE WERE JUST SCARED OUT OF OUR MINDS, THINKING THAT YOU WERE DEAD!” “Oh, Rainbow don’t be silly I’m fine and look, I made a new friend.” Pinkie Pie said as she gave the Pyro a big hug. “He came from a shooting star and look he has this tuba that shoots bubbles and rainbows, isn’t that awesome!” “But Pinkie Pie, there was a huge explosion and we heard you screaming.” Rarity said glad that her friend was safe. “Well duh, wouldn’t you scream for joy if you made a new friend and he had this awesome tuba that shoots bubbles and rainbows?” Pinkie said as she hopped around the Pyro. He looked at the newly arrived small horse; he had never seen anything so adorable. Pyro picked up his Rainblower and sprayed the rest of the group. “Oh Pinkie I guess that is pretty neat.” Fluttershy said as she moved closer to the Pyro and began to nuzzle him. “Hello sir, what’s your name?” She asked him. “Mmmrpgh crpyha drghya!" (My name isn’t important, but for the sake of convenience you miniature colorful horses may call me Pyro, that is how my colleagues refer to me.) The Pyro said as he put away his Rainblower. “I think his name is Mumphy.” Pinkie Pie said smiling and hopping in place. “Is that right Mumphy?” She asked him. “Mnmph” (No little pink horse, but I suspect that is how you are going to refer to me anyway ... it will do.) Pyro responded. “I’m right, yay, I’m so good at guessing games.” Pinkie Pie announced “Pinkie, his name probably isn’t Mumphy, regardless he is what Princess Celestia warned us about, and he could be dangerous.” Twilight said. “Yeah watch out Twilight” Pinkie Pie giggled “his bubbles could pop and destroy us all.” Rarity whispered to Fluttershy “I bet Derpy could find a way to hurt us with bubbles.” They both giggled. "Mmphn frphha herrpha." (Only the blue pegasus would have anything to fear from me, but you are animals, not humans. I mean you no harm.) Pyro said as he took out his lollichop. “CANDY! Twilight how could he be dangerous, he’s giving us candy.” Pinkie Pie said, she paused for a moment and added “Okay never mind about that, but don’t worry about it, he’s friendly, and nice, and he has a tuba that shoots bubbles and rainbows.” “Alright sugarcube, we believe ya, truth be told he looks kinda peculiar, but he’s been nothin’ but friendly like to you. I think we should take him into town.” Applejack said to the group. Twilight frowned “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Pinkie Pie gave Twilight a sad look. “But, I guess you’re right, he doesn’t seem dangerous. I’m still going to send a letter to Princess Celestia. She or Princess Luna must know something about him." “Yay! C’mon Mumphy, you can stay in the Cake’s extra bedroom and you can show the twins your bubble blowing tuba, it’ll be great!” She squealed as the ponies began to walk away with their new friend. “Mmmphya harrgh mrgha hrghgph!” (Would your Princess Celestia and Princess Luna be able to help me get back home, I too worry about my friends and would not want to leave them for too long.) Pyro said as he walked with ponies. “You got that right Mumphy.” Pinkie said happily. Pyro put his palm on his forehead, there would appear to be some limitations when communicating to animals. He thought. Pyro brushed it off and walked on, content to be with his new friends for the time being.
Chapter 3Dear Princess Celestia Yesterday my friends and I went into the Everfree Forest against your wishes. My deepest apologies, but we thought somepony was in trouble and we had to help them. I hope you can see it fit to forgive us. On another note we met a strange being in the forest and Pinkie Pie considers him a new friend. I need to know why you didn’t want us to visit the forest yesterday and if this creature has something to do with it. He will be staying in Ponyville at Sugarcube Corner for the time being. Patiently awaiting your response Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle. “Spike has the Princesses responded yet? I need you to let me know as soon as she does!” “Calm down Twilight, you just sent the letter five minutes ago. I’ll let you when she writes back; maybe you should go see what Pinkie Pie is doing.” “Spike, this could be the most important letter in the history of letters; the fate of Ponyville, no, the fate Equestria could be at stake! I need to be here and read it as soon as it comes.” “Twilight, how about I go with you to Sugarcube Corner to visit this “strange being,” I’d kinda like to meet him and that way you can be sure when I receive the letter.” “Well, alright, wait. Did you finish your chores?” “No, not yet, but the fate of Equestria could be at stake, we should go to Sugar Cube Corner and make sure everything’s okay.” The little dragon said as he walked out the door. “Welcome lambs, to the slaughter!” Helen the administrator said into the microphone, she wanted to make sure all her recordings were up to date before she took her one-hour break for the year. She heard a knock on the door. “Enter, Miss Pauling.” She said lighting a cigarette. “Administrator, Mr. Conagher is on the line.” Miss Pauling told her superior. She placed her palm on her forehead, “I can only guess what he wants.” She said as she picked up her phone. “Yes? I see. Missing? That puts you and your team at a severe disadvantage. Yes. Well, for the time being we shall send a robot. Don’t worry, a new coat of paint and it will attack the other team just like that mute idiot we all know and loathe. What? You don’t loathe him, you say. Friends? Well, too each their own. This conversation is over.” “Is everything alright administrator?” Miss Pauling asked her employer. “I have proven once again that I am very good at the guessing game.” She said as she turned back to her microphone and her television screens. “Mr. Conaher seemed very concerned about something administrator.” Miss Pauling said, fearing she may have annoyed Helen with her question. “Hale developed a new electro-sapper that will send anything in a teleporter, while the sapper is placed, to another universe.” She groaned when she saw that her assistant was not satisfied with the explanation. “We were going to use it permanently dispose of any items that could misconstrued as ‘illegal’ or ‘evidence’ and for people that could be deemed as ‘credible’ and whom we couldn’t simply kill. We tested it with our mercenaries, and it was a success, the Red mute pyromaniac is currently god knows where.” “But administrator, will we be able to bring him back?” “It is possible, his scientists were blithering on about how it can rip a hole in space time or in the something or other, but it is definitely possible. The real downside is that the sapper can only be used once and it cost several million dollars to produce, Hale has the means, but I have no desire in speaking with that idiot.” “I could call him for you.” Miss Pauling said, hiding behind her clipboard. “I will not have you waste your time on such trivial pursuits. We will send Red team one of those robots that Mann keeps building; those morons won’t even know the difference. Make sure you have it painted before shipping it, it may still kill those primates but at least the blood won’t be noticeable.” The administrator spun her chair and returned her gaze to the television monitors as Miss Pauling walked out of her office. “Twilight, Spike, I’m so glad you’re here, you gotta see what Mumphy can do, it’s so cool. Go ahead Mumphy show them.” Pinkie Pie turned to her new friend. The Pyro was glad to show off his taunt, he motioned the ponies to stand back and created a rainbow over himself with a chubby pink unicorn at the top of the arch. “That’s beautiful Pinkie, but why are we standing so far ba--” Twilight was interrupted by a small explosion, the rainbow seemed to have caught fire and flames rushed out from under the Pyro’s feet. “What the! What was that? Pinkie Pie, isn’t that dangerous?” “Well duh Twilight, if you play with fire you could get burned.” She said as she gave the Pyro a big hug. “That’s awesome Mumphy, c’mon let’s go show the other ponies in town.” “What? Pinkie, no it could be dangerous, Spike, help.” Twilight said frazzled, she could still feel the heat from the flames. “Twilight calm down, it’s no different from fireworks, if the ponies just stay a safe distance away no one will get hurt.” The purple dragon explained. “And besides Pinkie Pie is with him and she would never let anyone get hurt.” The purple dragon burped out green flames and a piece of rolled up parchment. “Good Princess Celestia responded, read the letter Spike.” Spike cleared his throat and began to read. To my faithful student, Twilight Sparkle I am very pleased to hear that you were willing to risk your well-being for a friend and I could never fault you for that. A shooting star was set to crash last night in the Everfree forest, Princess Luna was able to divert its course far away from your Zebra friend’s hut and it should have landed in a section of the forest where no creature, pony or otherwise, would get hurt. As for your new friend, I can’t say I have any knowledge of him or where he came from; perhaps he is an unknown species of animal, who makes his home in the forest. Please never hesitate to contact me with any news or questions you may have. Yours truly, Princess Celestia “Well that’s that I guess. Princess Celestia says that this guy has nothing to with the danger.” Spike said to Twilight Sparkle. “I’m still going to have to ask him some questions Spike. Pinkie Pie said that he came from that shooting star, that’s not something that just happens, we need to find out where he’s from and how to send him back.” “Uhh, Twilight, why would you want to send him back? He seems like a real cool guy, and maybe he can show me how to do some of those fire tricks and then maybe I can impress ---” “Spike, even if he’s not a danger to any of us, he’s obviously not from here, and I don’t mean just Equestria. He has his own home and probably family and friends who miss him.” Twilight Sparkle explained. “So you think he’s an alien Twilight? Anyways, if he wants to leave why doesn’t he just say something?” “I don’t think he’s an alien Spike, I think his home is even farther away than that. His whole presence here seems ... off. And I told you, he can understand us just fine but we can’t understand him, it’s just muffled noise to us, and I doubt Pinkie has asked him anything meaningful. I bet everypony speaks like that where he’s from …,” Twilight Sparkle gasped “wait, what if ponies don’t even exist where he’s from?” “Twilight, of course ponies exist where he’s from; how would magic exist without unicorns, how could they change the weather without the pegasus, and not to mention all the things we need earth ponies for.” Spike reassured his friend. “Well, we’re still going to need to question him.” Twilight Sparkle said. “How are we going to that?” Spike asked. “Don’t worry about that Spike, I have a plan.” Twilight Sparkle said to her number one assistant.
Chapter 4Twilight Sparkle and Spike found the Pyro showing off his taunt to the Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom near the water fountain. “Awesome,” Scootaloo said “how do you do it?” “Mmmrph” (Well little one, it involves a complex manipulation of the laws of physics, I need to be fully focused on bending the light rays to create the rainbow effect, the unicorn just appears. And for some reason, I also need to be holding this.” The Pyro said, as pulled out Rainblower out of thin air “Where the heck did that come from?” Apple Bloom asked him pointing out the sudden appearance of a large three horned tube from behind his back. “Mrmph mur” (Where I come from, we have very deep pockets.) The Pyro responded. He began to shower the cutie mark crusaders with bubbles and rainbows, the three frolicked under the wondrous out pour. Pinkie Pie stood back and talked to passing ponies. “He came from a shooting star and he’s super friendly, look at his tuba, it shoots bubbles.” Pinkie Pie said to Golden Delicious. “He sure seems nice Pinkie, what’s his name?” “I call him Mumphy, but Twilight Sparkle doesn’t think that’s his name, but he hasn’t set me on fire yet, so I guess he doesn’t mind.” “Fire?” Golden Harvest asked sounding worried. “Never mind, you should go say hello.” Pinkie Pie told the reluctant pony. Golden Delicious called out to Mumphy and waved at him, he responded by raising his thumb. “That means yes and, I guess, hello too.” Pinkie Pie said goodbye as the orange-mane pony walked away. Twilight Sparkle walked toward her. "Hi Twilight, what's up?" “Hi Pinkie, Princess Celestia said that the warning yesterday was about the shooting star.” “Does that mean she knew Mumphy was coming?” “No, she had no idea, but do you mind if I talk to Mumphy?” “Don’t ask me Twilight, ask him.” Twilight and Spike walked towards the Pyro. “So Twilight, what’s your plan?” Spike asked the unicorn. “Some mind manipulation magic, interrogation, bribery, some fourth thing?” “Excuse me sir, may I ask you some questions.” Twilight Sparkle asked smiply. “That’s it?” Spike asked confused. “Oh Spike, no need to make things so complicated.” She responded “Mmmmphr” (Of course purple unicorn, maybe you can aid me in getting back home, I understand that your species of pony can do magic.) Twilight Sparkle gave him a nervous smile. He began to look around and saw a stack of newspapers; he rushed to grab one If these creatures can speak English, they can most certainly read and write it. He thought. He sighed when he saw that their written language was gibberish to him. This would take a few hours to translate. He felt a gentle nuzzle on his side. “Listen, we can’t really communicate, but you can understand me, so how about I ask you some yes or no questions and we can develop from there, would that be alright? Twilight asked. The Pyro gave her a thumbs up. “That means “Yes” Twilight!” She heard Pinkie Pie yell from behind her. The Pyro pointed to Pinkie Pie “Mrmhmph mrmumph” (I would like her to be there when you ask your questions; she deserves to know everything that you may learn from our interview.) “You ... want Pinkie to come with us?” Twilight asked, not sure if that’s what the Pyro meant, he gave her another thumbs up. “Pinkie, um, Mumphy would like you to be there with us when I ask him questions, can you meet us at the library?” “Of course Twilight, lets go right now.” Pinkie Pie said as she hopped next to Mumphy. Got anything, brotha? The Scout asked Dell, as he gave the Pyro robot one last whack with his mace. “I figured out it was no run of the mill sapper which sent the Pyro to Mars or Venus or wherever he's gone to. That’s all I got for now though.” “Well not t’ rush you or nothing but dat was the seventh box we got from Mann Co., and in case you hadn’t noticed, the bots dat’s in 'em boxes, they keep trying to kill us as soon as we open 'em.” “Well then, maybe you should stop opening the crates.” “What! You just can’t not open a box from dem, what if they got new toys in 'em or maybe even a hat.” The Engineer sighed “Maybe you should stop opening the boxes that are making noises then. And another thing, why are you using that, you said it was useless when he gave it to you.” “I did, I did, I uh, just wanted a challenge, ya’ know.” The Engineer chuckled “Well alright son, let me get back to work, I’ll figure all this out soon enough." “We have received another noise making package from Mann Co. men; I have a good feeling there are hats in this one.” Soldier said, as he began to open the box. “First things first. I’m Twilight Sparkle. It’s nice to officially meet you, even if we don’t know your real name yet.” Twilight Sparkle said offering her hoof to the Pyro. He shook it gently. Pinkie Pie gasped in horror “I never introduced myself! Oh no!” She rushed to the Pyro and began shaking his hand “I’m so sorry, I don’t know what got over me, I usually always, always introduce myself to new people as soon as I meet them, I’m so sorry, my name is Pinkamena Diane Pie, but you can call me Pinkie Pie.” She gave the Pyro a hug. “I’m so sorry Mumphy, can you ever forgive me.” She began to cry. The Pyro petted Pinkie Pie’s mane, she smiled. “Okay, now that introductions are done, are you an alien?” Twilight Sparkle asked. “Mrmph.” (I would say that I am, but I do not recognize any of your night sky’s constellations and strangely enough, I can breathe. If science fiction is to be believed, this is most likely some sort of parallel universe and this place, a carbon copy of earth with a few, obvious, differences.) The Pyro gave a thumbs up. "You are, good to know." Twilight said. “Okay, do you want to go home, wherever that may be?” The Pyro looked at Pinkie Pie, “Mmmrgh” (Do not take this to mean I do not appreciate your friendship, but I have a life where I am from, with people who depend on me, I do wish to go back home.) He gave a thumbs up. Pinkie Pie began to cry. “Oh Mumphy! You don’t like it here!” She held onto the Pyro as she began to cry, louder than before “I’ll give you all the cupcakes you want, if you could forgive me for holding you here against you’re will.” Pyro petted her mane again and Pinkie stopped crying and began to smile. “You don’t hate me?” She asked, he responded by shaking his finger. “Yay!” she yelled. “Pinkie please, he probably has friends and family who miss back home, he can’t just abandon them. Okay, next question, do you know how you arrived in Equestria?” “Egh yrgh mghma” (Not exactly, although I did hear talk around the Mann Co. laboratories, of some sort electro-sapper that could send a teleporting subject to another universe. It sounded like rubbish to me, with no practical applications, but perhaps that is the reason why I found myself encased in a meteoroid and landing in this world of talking miniature horses.) The Pyro shrugged his shoulders and raised his palms. “Well, at least hoof gestures are universal. You don’t know?” Twilight Sparkle asked. The Pyro gave a thumbs up. “Okay last question, is your name Mumphy?” The Pyro looked at Pinkie Pie, who was sitting and smiling at him. He thought for a moment, and gave a thumbs up. “Yay! I told you I was good at the guessing game, Twilight. C’mon Mumphy, we still need to introduce you to everyone in Ponyville. Um, wait, Twilight are you sure you don’t need to ask him anymore questions?” Pinkie Pie asked happily, hopping around her red suited friend. “No Pinkie, you two go off and meet everypony, I have a letter to write to Princess Celestia.” Twilight Sparkle said as Spike came rushing into the living room. “Wait! Mumphy, was it? Can you teach me how to do some of your fire tricks? Spike asked holding onto the Pyro’s jumpsuit. “Mmphpry!” (If you can learn, I will teach you. Now attempt to mimic my movements) The Pyro crouched and clasped his hands together; he released them in front of him and let out a fireball. “Oh, that is so awesome.” Spike said as he started to copy the Pyro’s gestures. He let out a tiny spark from his palms. “I did it! I did it!” He cheered, “Twilight did you see?” “I sure did Spike, that’s great, but I need you to write a letter, then you can hang out with Mumphy some more. Okay?” She told the dragon. The Pyro petted his spikes and went off meet some more of the inhabitants of Ponyville. “Okay Twilight, what am I writing?” He asked with a quill and parchment waiting. Twilight cleared her throat. Dear Princess Celestia, I had recently let you know that we discovered a new friend in the Everfree forest and after a short interview I was able to gather that he does in fact come from another world. He is in no way dangerous, in fact he has become friends with several of the ponies here in Ponyville. He has let me know that he does wish to return home, but he seems content to stay here with us for the time being. Since you have experience sending ponies to far off places, I request that you visit Ponyville and see if you can help our new friend, Mumphy, return home. Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle “Okay, come on Spike, lets go see hang out with Mumphy and Pinkie.” Twilight said. She smiled as she and Spike ran to go find their new friend. “Twelve, frickin’ twelve of those bot things! What the hell is wrong with Mann Co., how come they ain’t getting killed packing up these bots.” The Scout yelled over the Engineer’s shoulder. “Men, I’m 300% percent positive this one has a hat. It sure does sound like one.” The Soldier announced carrying another crate. “Thirteen! Frickin’ thirteen! Engie, you got anything yet?” Scout said as he hid the crowbar. “I think I do son. I found a broken sapper near my teleporter, it's been modified. I can use parts from my Pomson and make something similar that could send me to wherever the Pyro got to.” The Engineer said as he looked over blueprints of an electro-sapper. “You mean that over-powered alien gun you got? Wait, what da, are you f@*king crazy! You’re gonna go look for the mute; you don’t even know if he’s alive! And how the hell is this thing going to send you to where he’s at?” Scout said worried, as the Soldier started to beat the box open with his shovel. “Optimism .” The Engineer said as he put his ray gun on top of his work station. “No, no, no, no, no, no, no way. We can live without the mute, but we still need you, what are we gonna do when I need a dispenser here?” He said as he saw the Soldier getting closer and closer to opening the crate. “Well that’s too bad son, I’m already working on it and unless I suddenly become as stupid as those scientists up at Mann Co. it’s gonna be ready in a few hours.” “Yeah, well good job there hardhat. Bring him home soon then.” Scout said as he patted the Engineer on his back. “Men, good news! It’s a large metal hat; I think it’s for the Heavy. More good news, it’s shaped just like the Pyro and it just set me on fire.” “Aw, jeez.” The Scout said as he picked up his mace.
Chapter 5“I do not want you to risk your life so carelessly; your services to this team are held in high regard, it would be almost impossible to accomplish anything without you.” The Spy began speaking what sounded like a rehearsed speech. “Uh, Spy?” The Engineer tried to interrupt. “Allow me to continue.” He spat at the Engineer. “Without you, what would this team be? I’ll tell you what it would be, a pile of good for nothing, slack-jawed imbeciles. Tell me, how many enemies have perished against your cold steel, how many boots have quivered at the mere utterance of your title? Tell me!” “Spy, can I get a word in please?” “Will you please be quiet? Now, I know I never told you this, but you are … very important to me and to the team. They look up to you, you know, of course they would never admit it, but they do. I both admire and respect your work. I cannot bear the thought of world without a man of your talents.” The Spy turned away from his mirror and to the Engineer. “Now, what the hell do you want cowboy? I’m busy here.” “I can see that, I need your help, you see ---” “But of course you do, this team always needs my f@*king help, without me, you’d all be ---” “A pile of good for nothing, slack jawed, imbeciles; Yeah, I heard your little pep talk. Now, I need you to sap one of my teleporters while I’m in it.” “What!? Get the boy to do it; do not bother me with such paltry requests.” The Spy said as he turned back to his mirror. “Hold up turncoat, listen I’m asking you, okay? I need finesse, we only have one shot at this and I’m going to need you to help me so I can find the Pyro and get him back here.” “Ugh, listen here laborer; I have no desire to participate in any rescue attempt for that pyromaniacal mute. I’m tired of him always chasing me around with his little lance-flammes, or however you Americans refer to it.” “Flame thrower, you snake.” “Petty insults will not work on me; now get out of my office, I will not be helping you. Entiendes? Capito? Míngbáile ma? Understand? Got it, pardner?” “It’s a shame you feel that way frenchie, because we all know what you’ve been doing with the Scout’s mother ...” He said holding up a manila envelope. “Is that a threat? What do I care? Tell him, if he tries anything I will end him, and then go to his house and faire l’amour to his mother.” “I have no doubt you would do that, but as I said, everyone knows what you’ve been with the scout’s mother, only I know what you have been doing with the Heavy’s mother and his sister. Not to mention what’s been going on with a certain Demoman’s mama, one Mrs. DeGroot.” The Engineer opened it and showed the Spy photographs of his escapades. “A bit of photographic evidence, just in case they have trouble believin'.” The Spy’s cigarette fell out of his mouth. “What? But how? They live in a frozen wasteland and she’s …” The Spy calmed himself, cleared his throat, and straightened his tie. “No matter, if you give me the photographs, I will help you.” The Spy said, one hand reaching for his cigarette case and the other asking for the envelope. “Heh heh, you must think I was born yesterday son, I’ll make you deal though, you help me and I’ll think about not leaving these photos on top of Sasha and atop a case of scrumpy. We got a deal?” The Engineer said with a grin as he grabbed the Spy’s hand. The Spy sighed “Yes, we have an accord.” Spike stood next to Ponyville’s newest honorary citizen and attempted to complete his own miniature rainbow, unfortunately he was only able to produce the small explosion that came afterwards. “Aw, what am I doing wrong?” He asked the Pyro. “Hudda, hudda, huh” (Nothing Spike, you simply lack the proper tools, here I’ll allow you to hold this for the time being.) He handed Spike his Rainblower. “What, I need this? But it’s too big, I can’t move my hands and do those other things you do while I’m holding it.” The Pyro took back his Rainblower. Maybe he only needs to be touching it. He thought. "Oh, look at him.” Rarity said watching from a distance with her friends. “Fluttershy, now I’ll admit that his appearance scared me a bit when I first saw him, and that jumpsuit is still a crime against fashion, but now I think he’s simply adorable.” “Oh no Rarity, I could see he was special the moment I saw him, that’s why it was so easy for me to walk up to him. But, I’ll admit, his rainbow explosion still scares me.” Fluttershy said as she saw the Pyro touching Spike’s tail with his Rainblower. “Imagine if I could light the trail of my Sonic Rainboom on fire, it would be like I’m moving so fast that rainbows and flames are eating my dust.” Rainbow Dash said, dreaming of the possibility. “Pinkie, darling, I’m so glad you found him, he’s a marvelous addition to our little town.” Rarity said as she watched Spike produce a tiny Rainbow of his own. “Well done Spike! Um, girls where’s Applejack?” “She couldn’t come,” answered Twilight, “she’s really busy on the farm, she’s bucking the apple trees, you know her. “Oh that’s a shame; well, we will all be able to get together tomorrow.” Rarity said with a smile. “Look, Mumphy and Spike are going to try to do the Rainbow thing together!” cried Pinkie Pie pointing at the pair. The ponies around stopped and watched as the Pyro created his rainbow and right next to him Spike produced his own fully colored Rainbow with a white unicorn at the top of the arch. Both let their rainbows explode at the same time. The ponies who had gathered around stomped their hooves and let out cheers. The noise could have put Princess Luna’s voice to shame. Twilight walked over to Pinkie Pie. “Pinkie, I need to talk to you.” She whispered. They both walked away from the noise, Pinkie knew what Twilight wanted to talk about. “Pinkie I don’t want you to think I don't like Mumphy, but I had to let the Princess know that he was here and that he wanted to go home. I asked her if she could help us send him back home. ” “Twilight, I know that’s the right thing to do and I’m not mad, it’s just that …” Her eyes began to tear up, “If he leaves, I may never see him again.” She hugged her friend. “I don’t want to lose any of my friends Twilight, never ever.” Twilight found her eyes begin to water too. “I’m sorry Pinkie, but it’s for the best.” She managed to get out. The two hugged while each let the other wet their coat with tears. “Twilight please, I don’t want to lose anybody, don’t let me lose him.” She said as held on to Twilight tighter. “Pinkie, that’s …” She had trouble finding the right words, “that’s how life is, friends come and sometimes, they have to go.” “But why Twilight, why should they go, it’s not fair!” she yelled out in anger. “Pinkie, that’s the way it is, we can’t change it.” Twilight dried her tears. “I know it’s hard, but be glad you met him, you formed a very special friendship and I don’t think either of you will ever forget it.” “We wouldn’t have to forget it, if he didn’t have to leave.” She said still crying as she walked away. “Pinkie, where are you going, you can still ---” “Uh, Twilight,” Spike said softly behind her “we got a letter from Princess Celestia.” Twilight Sparkle wiped her eyes again, “Okay Spike, read it please.” To My Faithful Student Twilight Sparkle I have no idea what you meant by your little moon comment. However, I do possess the ability to send beings back to their rightful place; I have only used this power to aid lost travelers and other creatures to return to their homes here in Equestria, never to a far off destination as you suspect might be the case. I will be leaving for Ponyville shortly after writing this letter and I will see if I can help your friend. Yours truly, Princess Celestia Twilight giggled “I didn’t mention the moon.” She immediately felt guilty How can I laugh when Pinkie Pie and Mumphy are never going to see each other again. She thought. “Spike, come on we need to find to Mumphy and tell him the news.” “He already knows Twilight; he was there when I received the letter. He grabbed a newspapers and took it with him to Fluttershy’s house. Rarity and Rainbow Dash went with them too. “Then I need to go find Pinkie Pie and tell her that Celestia is coming, she may be angry, but she would never forgive herself if she didn’t at least say goodbye. Spike you go back into town and see what Mumphy is doing.” Spike gave Twilight a thumbs up as she walked away to look for Pinkie Pie. “Now what is it you wish me to do exactly?” The Spy asked as the Engineer finished hammering away at his teleporter. “I’m going to need you to place that sapper on the teleporter, the instant that you see me disappear from this end. Any later and it won’t work.” The Engineer answered. “And if should ‘accidently’ mistime my placement? Repeatedly, if it may be the case.” The Spy asked “ No reruns on this show, if I gotta destroy that sapper, then that's it, no more where that came from. Then two of our strongest teammates will hunt you down and beat the tar out of you and then some. And I’ll make sure the rest of the team helps them find you if you decide to disappear into some corner of the building. Capisce? Comprende? Got it, partner? “Loud and clear ... my illiterate friend.” The Spy said under his breath. “What you say backstabber?” The Engineer asked pointing his wrench at the Spy. “Nothing.” The Spy responded quickly “That’s what I thought, now get ready, I’m going in.” The Engineer said as he stepped onto his teleporter entrance. The Spy eyed the timer on the exit. When the Engineer disappeared from his view he placed the sapper, it began to destroy the building, the Engineer was neither on the entrance nor exit port. “Au revoir, Dell Conagher, au revoir. Now then, where did he put those damn photographs?” The Spy asked himself, heading toward the base. “What photos?” He heard an Scottish-accented voice ask behind him. “Oh, hello Mr. DeGroot, just some private photographs that you need not concern your primitive brain with.” He said nervously, slowly backing away. He turned around and tried to run inside the base. His path was blocked by the Heavy. “Hello Heavy, would you mind moving your hulking mass away from my path, I need to locate a certain envelope.” The Heavy stepped to the side, the Spy sighed in relief. When he arrived at the door, it was opened by the Scout holding a manila envelope. The Spy turned around and saw two dangerous men glowering at him. He screamed. “Pinkie, where are you?” Twilight called out, she had only been walking for a few minutes when she heard crying coming from behind a tree. “I’m over here Twilight.” Pinkie Pie responded. She had made a tiny stream of tears. Twilight sat next to Pinkie Pie and hugged her. “I know he has other people who love him, but I love him too.” Twilight stayed silent. “Twilight, you would never leave me right?” “Of course not Pinkie we’re friends for life.” Twilight said as she dried her friend’s tears. “And Fluttershy, and Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow too, right? They would never leave me?” Pinkie asked, stifling her tears. “Pinkie, we will all be here with you as long as we can help it.” Twilight said as she hugged her friend again. Pinkie Pie smiled "Twilight, can we just sit here for a little while?" “Sure Pinkie, but Princess Celestia will be coming to Ponyville soon to see if she can send Mumphy back.” Twilight said sadly. “Oh … okay, he won't leave until we say goodbye, right?” Pinkie Pie asked her friend "Of course not." She responded. The two sat in silence. It was dark when Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle walked back into two town; they saw no sight of anypony anywhere. "Hey! Where is Everypony!" Twilight Sparkle yelled. Roseluck called out to the two of them from her window. “Princess Luna issued a warning about a shooting star crashing around here, she said to stay indoors until she can divert it somewhere else.” She closed her windows. “Let’s go to Fluttershy’s cottage, that’s where Spike said Mumphy was going.” Twilight said to Pinkie. The silence of the town was broken by trumpets; it was the Princess’ royal guards escorting her to Ponyville. The two ponies bowed until Celestia landed and told them to rise. “I see the warning has once again gone unheeded by you Twilight Sparkle." The unicorn began to blush. “Don’t worry, Princess Luna will keep this town safe, the warning was just her and I overreacting. Now then, where is this Mumphy? I am very curious to meet him, seeing as how he has made such a big impression on you both.” “He should be at Fluttershy’s cottage Princess.” Twilight answered. “Very well then, let us go and pay Fluttershy a visit.” The three made their way to Fluttershy’s cottage to find that four ponies and the Pyro were waiting outside. The four bowed to the princess, the Pyro kneeled. “Applejack, I thought you were bucking apples today.” Pinkie Pie said. “This is more important sugarcube.” She answered softly. “Well now, this must be Mumphy, how do you do sir?” She asked, the Pyro not knowing proper etiquette when dealing with Equestrian royalty remained kneeling. “You may rise Mumphy and let me say that you made quite an impression with my little ponies here." “Ow dow how dow” (They too have made an impression on me Princess, I am sadden that I have to leave them, if leaving is even a possibility, that is.) The Princess gave him a nervous smile. “Um, right, do you wish to go home Mumphy? He gave her a thumbs up. “That means yes, I take it?” She asked the ponies, they nodded. “Very well then Mumphy, I will use all of my abilities to see if I can send you home.” The Pyro put his hand up and turned to the four ponies who were with him all day. “Mmph mphna mprh” (If you would be so kind as to bring out the gifts, I would be ever so grateful.) “Oh right,” Applejack said “we forgot about the gift's, Rarity come with me t' bring them out.” The two went inside. “After you and Pinkie left, Mumphy wanted to learn how to write in our language, so he bought a newspaper and asked us to read it to him, he made a chart with some strange symbols and our letters and he learned how to write, so we could understand it.” Fluttershy explained. “He spent all afternoon writing.” “Mumphy you learned how to read and write in an afternoon? It took me years to learn how to do that.” Pinkie said as she nuzzled the Pyro. Applejack came out with a book and Rarity floated a rolled up scroll. The book cover was fiery red with gold letters adorned on it. “It’s beautiful Mumphy.” She read the title “Pinkie Pie meets Mumphy.” Aww, is it a story about us?” He gave her a thumbs up. “He told us to tell you that it’s also full of drawings of where he’s from and his friends, Mumphy here is really smart, even Rarity had some trouble reading what he wrote.” Rainbow Dash told Pinkie Pie. “He does have a very advanced vocabulary; we all probably sound like foals to him.” Rarity added. “And Twilight this scroll is for you, it’s just a little something he wanted you to have.” “Thank you Mumphy.” Twilight gave him a hug and stood with the rest of her friends. “Mumphy, I guess this is it,” Pinkie said with tears in her eyes “I really wish you didn’t have to go, but I’m sure you know what's best.” The Pyro patted her mane and gave her a hug. “I’m going to miss you, I’ll never forget you Mumphy and you will always be one of my best friends.” “ Mmmmrph mmmh, mmh mmphn frphha herrpha mhnk nhya mgh mhpm” (And I will always cherish our friendship Pinkamena.) He had trouble letting her go. He stood up and gave Celestia a thumbs up. With a spark from her horn, the Pyro vanished, with only the book and scroll to prove he was ever there. “Thank you Princess Celestia, for helping Mumphy get back home.” Pinkie Pie said crying softly. “Of course Pinkie Pie, it was a very noble thing you did, making sure he was happy during his short stay here in Equestria.” “Thanks.” She couldn’t bring her head up. “My little ponies you have had a long day, I suggest you get some sleep. As for me, I have to return to Canterlot. One more thing Pinkie Pie, he may be gone, but no one, and certainly not you, will ever forget him. Farewell.” Princess Celestia left in her chariot while the mane six stood and stared at the night sky. “Twilight, maybe you should read that scroll?” Applejack said breaking the silence. Twilight opened the scroll and cleared her throat. Dearest Twilight Please read the sections in parenthesis only to yourself, if your friends inquire about the contents of this scroll, simply omit them. (I never found my name to be of particular importance and I rarely use it, unless it is required for legal documentation, though my friends and colleagues refer to me simply as Pyro. You may never be certain if your Princess Celestia was able to return me to my home, but for all intents and purposes, especially for Pinkamena’s sake, I did return.) I thank you for trying to learn so much about my origin. Had it been up to Pinkamena, I would have stayed with you all in Equestria forever. But, that would not have right thing to do, you were right in your assumption, there are people back home who depend on me, I save lives and eliminate dangers on a daily basis and those I save from now on, owe you a debt of gratitude. I thank you for helping me get back home, it takes a strong pony to put aside feelings for what needs to be done, in fact you remind me of an Australian gentleman whom I am acquainted with as well. Best of luck Twilight Sparkle Your friend Mumphy (The Pyro) “That was beautiful.” Rarity said as she began to cry. Fluttershy cried along with her. “What does Australian mean?” Rainbow Dash asked. “I’m guessin’ that means smart-like, right Twilight.” Applejack said as she poked Twilight. Pinkie Pie stopped crying and hugged her book. “Goodbye Mumphy.” She whispered. She opened it and saw a drawing of her and the Pyro, his hand in the air and her jumping and hitting it with her hoof. She smiled. Her whole body began to shake. “Um, girls …” she said as she looked up saw another shooting star in the night sky.
